Thanks everyone. Here is part 6 (sorry for the delay)
PART 6:
"So, Ms Kripa, will your new book also have a sad ending again? You are such a sensitive writer…I cry each time I read any of your books….kitna dard hai aapke andar?" Prithvi went on praising the young writer. Kripa just looked at him through the top of her glasses and said, "thanks Dr Bose…..I have not written the end of my new book yet, THANKS TO SOME UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES!" she glared at Mishti, reminding her that if it were not for her and Angad, she would be working on her book right now.
"You can call me Prithvi….Dr Bose is too formal…can I call you Kripa, instead of Ms Kripa?" Prithvi persisted.
Kripa rolled her eyes again, "whatever Dr…I mean Prithvi….what is the next step now?"
"Next step? Well….I would like to take you out for dinner one night," Prithvi thought Kripa was asking him about them.
Mishti giggled as she saw Kripa's shocked expression.
"Do you take all friends and family members of patients out to dinner after surgery?" Kripa asked.
"NO..NO…Ms…I mean Kripa….this invitation is specially for you….tomorrow at 7?" Prithvi asked.
"Prithvi! I wanted to know what is the next step for the patient after this? Surgery tho ho gayi, par ab kya hoga?" she held her head in her hands; this desh ki dharti was giving her a headache now.
Mishti was enjoying the conversation between the Indian doctor with a heavy accent and her grouchy sister.
"Oh…you mean discharge? Well, if every thing goes well, Angad will be able to go home on Monday….ab dekho Sunday morning tho ho hi gayi hai…..why don't we all get breakfast from the cafeteria….it should open in a few minutes," Prithvi suggested and looked at Mishti also.
Mishti smiled and said, "actually….I need to drive back to New York this morning as I have a flight to catch in the afternoon….so I will leave, as I have to pack my stuff, why don't you take Kripa instead."
Kripa was aghast, "Mishti….tum mujhey hospital mein chhod kar jaa rahi ho? Meri car bhi le jaaogi? How will I go back?"
"Oh…don't worry Kripa, I get off duty at 8, I will drive you back home," Prithvi enthusiastically butted in.
"Mishti…who will stay with your friend?" Kripa asked
"I will call Karthik…I am sure he will come running to see his ailing brother…waise bhi abhi tho Angad behosh hai…..usey kya pata chalega koi yahan hai ya nahin," Mishti picked her bag and held out her hand, "Kripa…keys!"
Kripa handed Mishti her car keys, but felt a little uneasy about leaving Angad, even if he was a stranger, all alone in the hospital. Even this 'chipkoo' Indian doctor, was going off-duty. She remembered how panicky Angad was before going in for surgery; she did not feel right about leaving him alone-she decided she would stay, at least till Kartik got there.
"OK….I will go to the cafeteria with you Prithvi," Kripa got up and hung her bag on her shoulders.
Prithvi got a tray full of breakfast-cereal, eggs, bacon, sausage and some coffee.
Kripa got a small box of cereal and a cup of tea.
"Is that it?" Prithvi asked
"I am not that hungry," she hated people questioning her food intake; it reminded her of her eating disorder days. She thought she ate better now-at least she did not miss any meals now!
As Kripa nibbled on her dry cereal and cup of tea, Prithvi inhaled his breakfast as fast as he could. She wondered "why are men always in a hurry to eat so much?" she remembered how Angad gobbled up the lunch yesterday afternoon.
They talked a little about her books and characters she had written. Kripa was impressed that Prithvi had actually read her books carefully, and she did enjoy discussing them with him. On the outside, Prithvi was a little unpolished and "very desi" as her mother would probably address him, but he was quite bright and well-read person. With time, Kripa had begun to learn that it was not fair to judge a person based on their external appearance; somehow her mother had drilled that misconception into them since childhood.
Prithvi's pager went off, "excuse me!"
"Yes, nurse Judy….OK…I will be right there," he hung up
"Kripa…..you want to see your friend? He is conscious now," Prithvi asked Kripa
For a moment, Kripa had to think, "friend? Oh…you mean Angad….my sister's friend…Ok…I guess"
As they took the elevator to the post-op floor, Prithvi could not help asking, "Why do you keep saying Angad is not your friend…..and you are the one who has stayed back with him?"
Kripa was startled at the direct question, "Well…Mishti had some important work….I am just helping my sister," she defended her sister, something she had done several times since they were kids. While growing up, Kripa had taken up the blame if Mishti made a mistake, or helped Mishti finish her incomplete projects, or cover for her sister when Mishti wanted to 'escape' with her latest boyfriend. Dilip was a little strict about boys, and did not like Mishti dating and staying out late with boys. Naina, of course, encouraged that behavior, as Mishti's friends perceived her as a 'cool mom'.
"How are you Angad?" Prithvi asked as they entered the room.
"I am fine doctor," Angad slurred a little, as the anesthesia was still wearing off.
Angad looked around and saw Kripa at the door, "where is Mishti?"
"She had to leave….some assignment in Miami," Kripa said
"Oh really? She managed to get that…good for her…..but can I talk to her?" Angad asked. He looked tired and worn out after the surgery. Kripa almost felt sorry for him- he looked so vulnerable and helpless on that bed, all alone in a strange city, amongst strangers!
"You are looking great Angad," Prithvi checked his surgical site, "just relax and later you can start walking, chalo Kripa I 'll drop you home."
Angad looked at Kripa, as if pleading her to stay.
Kripa lowered her eyes and said, "Prithvi….why don't you go ahead…I will stay till Angad's brother comes into town."
Prithvi smiled and nodded his head, "I think that is a good idea….even I was wondering who would stay here with Angad….well, I will see you both tomorrow morning…..and then dinner tomorrow night?" he asked Kripa before he left.
Kripa just clawed her palms nervously; "I am not sure…let's talk tomorrow."
Prithvi had a disappointed look and nodded, "OK…as you wish."
After Prithvi left, Angad asked, "so you have a date?"
"You wanted to talk to Mishti?" Kripa changed the subject.
Angad was still trying to suppress his laughter at the thought of Kripa going out on a date, but each time he laughed his wound started hurting, 'OK…."
"Hey Mishti….mujhey akela chhod gayi….well good luck for your new assignment….yes, I will call Kartik…..i know your sister is sweet enough to stay back…..you are lucky to have a sister like that," Angad hung up and gave the phone to Kripa. Kripa was pleasantly surprised, that Angad actually thought she was 'sweet' and for the first time in her life, had heard that Mishti was the lucky one to have a sister like her, rather than the other way around!
…to be contd…..
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Cricket
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